The beautiful 32-year-old Zodwa Zelele won in a very close decision. ‘Zodwa has this very special something, and her acting is really outstanding,’ Whoopi said afterwards. ‘Both girls were incredible.’ Zodwa was thrilled with the outcome: ‘I was so nervous before the audition. But Whoopi in her kind way really managed to calm me down. Now I’m thrilled to death!’
Although Patricia Meeden (24) didn’t take the top prize, she’s still a winner: ‘Yes, I wouldn’t be telling the truth if I said I wasn’t disappointed, but I’m also very proud to still be a part of this terrific Sister Act!’ Patricia will be playing Deloris van Cartier as alternative in two out of six shows a week.

Ms Zodwa is a 2005 Joop van den Ende Academy graduate and has played lead roles in Disney’s Lion King and Aida. Following in Whoopi Goldberg’s footsteps marks a big milestone in her career, perhaps explaining why she was in tears when she went to see the show at the London Palladium in the evening – with Whoopi on stage playing Mother Superior. Zodwa sums up this very special day in her life, saying: ‘Watching her and the wonderful Patina Miller [who plays Deloris in London] gave me goose bumps for three hours!’